Chelsea FC

2.93

• 
  56

  22

  3.00

  Petr Cech

  Could only watch both Cisse’s efforts arrow into his top corners, otherwise being a spectator for much of the game

• 
  63

  25

  3.00

  Branislav Ivanovic

  The Serb’s 50th game of the season for club and country and perhaps his tiredness started to show. Looked unsure of how to defend Ba and Cisse, with that uncertainty filtering through the rest of the side.

• 
  36

  38

  3.00

  José Bosingwa

  Attacked well down the right and performed his defensive duties with equal capability.

• 
  44

  24

  3.00

  John Terry

  Defended stoutly throughout, with little he could do about either of Cisse’s wonder strike.

• 
  46

  30

  3.00

  Ryan Bertrand

  Just fourth start of the season and it’s a shame for the young fullback that his inclusion highlights just what Ashley Cole brings to the side. Didn’t really put a foot wrong, but lacks the thrust and dynamism of Cole down the left flank.

• 
  52

  24

  3.00

  Ramires

  As always, tireless running from the Brazilian, yet Chelsea’s lack of imagination going forward hampered any positive effect he could have made.

• 
  35

  73

  2.50

  John Obi Mikel

  Sat at the base of the midfield doing very little. Should have seen red for an ugly challenge that may end Tiote’s season.

• 
  25

  128

  3.00

  Florent Malouda

  Played in a withdrawn role when his side would have perhaps benefited from a more fixed threat on the flank. Should have converted a headed chance in the first half and all-in-all, did little to thrust himself into Di Matteo’s cup final starting XI plans.

• 
  46

  48

  3.00

  Raúl Meireles

  Fluffed an excellent chance to put his side up within a minute and from there on settled in reasonably well in the Chelsea midfield. Used the ball well in short and sharp exchanges though had a lack of influence at the business end.

• 
  267

  25

  3.00

  Fernando Torres

  Lively from the off, with sharp and intelligent use of the ball around the box. Swung in an excellent cross which Malouda should have converted. Found goalscoring opportunities hard to come by.

• 
  32

  182

  2.50

  Daniel Sturridge Flop of the Match

  Wasn’t able to impose himself on the game for any sustained spells, blazing high and wide both times he had a sniff at goal. Replaced at half-time and will be frustrated after an ineffectual performance.

Substitutions

• 
  50

  60

  3.00

  Frank Lampard

  Brought on when it became evident that Chelsea were in trouble, but he couldn't prove to be the game changer.

• 
  69

  36

  3.00

  Juan Mata

  Brought an extra dimension to his team after replacing Sturridge at half-time. Innovative use of the ball made Chelsea infinitely more potent when they enjoyed possession of the ball.

• 
  51

  73

  3.00

  Didier Drogba

  Added an element of bruising aggression to Chelsea's attack, without managing to get his hands on any clear cut chances.

Newcastle

3.46

• 
  63

  16

  3.50

  Tim Krul

  Surprisingly had little to do after an impotent Chelsea first-half. But endured a bombardment in the second. Was equal to all asked of him.

• 
  75

  10

  3.50

  Fabricio Coloccini

  Marshalled an excellent defensive display that saw Chelsea fail to turn domination of possession into a tangible goal threat.

• 
  95

  12

  3.50

  Davide Santon

  Aggressive maurauding down the left played a large part in Cisse’s opener with the young Italian looking increasingly suited to the English game.

• 
  59

  11

  3.50

  Mike Williamson

  The opening two minutes suggested he might be given the runaround by Fernando Torres but he rose to the challenge. Dominant in the air for the entire game.

• 
  53

  11

  3.50

  James Perch

  Benefitted massively from the absence of Ashley Cole but seized his chance nonetheless, minimising any threat Chelsea had down the left.

• 
  66

  12

  3.50

  Yohan Cabaye

  Creative hub of his side, switching play and channeling counters to great effect when his team looked to counter quickly.

• 
  68

  23

  3.00

  Hatem Ben Arfa

  Was his side’s spark, when he fancied it. Surging runs forward had Chelsea constantly back-pedaling though the manner in which he flitted in and out of the game will have frustrated his team and fans.

• 
  49

  14

  3.50

  Jonas Gutierrez

  Worked diligently down the left though would have been nice to see him provide more of an attacking threat. Nevertheless, combined well with Santon to frustrate Chelsea down that side of the pitch.

• 
  90

  12

  3.50

  Cheikh Tiote

  Didn’t let an early yellow card - for cynical trip of Torres - stunt an all action performance. Looked to have battered Chelsea’s central midfielders into submission before having to be stretchered off at the hour mark.

• 
  479

  11

  4.50

  Papiss Cissé Top of the Match

  Outrageous double stole all three points for his side in a game that the opposition dominated. Raises the bar just when you think it couldn't be raised any higher.

• 
  123

  14

  3.50

  Demba Ba

  Eased into the game, with his physical presence up top providing Chelsea with plenty of headaches. Rifled an effort against the bar on the stroke of halftime and tested Cech with a driven effort from the edge of the box. Unlucky not to have broken his duck.

Substitutions

• 
  24

  15

  3.00

  Ryan Taylor

  Replaced Tiote but hardly saw anything of the ball, with Chelsea dominating possession.

• 
  34

  13

  3.00

  Shola Ameobi

  Replaced Ba as a battering ram up top.